The 6-foot-6, 236-pound, four-star tight end from Westminster Christian had no offers this time last year. But he didn't get frustrated, stayed focused on working hard and before signing with Alabama today, had 17 other scholarship offers from such schools as Auburn, Arkansas, UCF, Purdue and Mississippi State.

"A year ago I didn't have any offers; in fact I didn't even have anybody showing any interest," Parker said. "Then (WCA) coach (Louis) Leblanc and all my other coaches and my parents said just keep pushing, keep working and good things will happen. I just trusted God that He would come through. I just worked hard and the school I've wanted to go to my whole life, Alabama, offered."

Parker follows in the footsteps of his brothers, Jacob and John, both of whom walked on with the Crimson Tide in recent years. Despite that connection, Michael said he probably would have signed to play somewhere else if Alabama had not offered him a scholarship.

"My family is really excited that I ended up at Alabama and I really couldn't have seen myself going anywhere else," Parker said. "I thought I may have to be a blue shirt back in December and that is the reason I didn't sign in the early signing period."

Parker expects to play tight end for Alabama, but knows he will probably earn his stripes on special teams to begin with.